“There are joys which long to be ours. God sends ten thousands truths, which come about us like birds seeking inlet; but we are shut up to them, and so they bring us nothing, but sit and sing awhile upon the roof, and then fly away.” ~ Henry Ward Beecher
You know what you express. Knowing is much more than “awareness of” in theory or concept, in fact, it implies union with a concept or idea. Joy can be known as it is the natural result of union with a blessing of any type; yet for joy to be known, it must be expressed.
“Your success and happiness lies in you. Resolve to keep happy, and your joy and you shall form an invincible host against difficulties.” ~ Helen Keller
Happiness is the by-product of having truly embraced the spirit of appreciation. Keeping happy is not a matter of arranging the matters of outer circumstance thus and so, padding your nest according to your likes and wants. In fact, happiness comes only on the heels of radiant, appreciative expression.
“Service which is rendered without joy helps neither the servant nor the served. But all other pleasures and possessions pale into nothingness before service which is rendered in a spirit of joy.“ ~ Mohandes Ghandi
The service you render unto nature and your fellow man is the primary aperture for the expression of the spirit of joy. Never forget: your fulfillment comes as you serve others, not yourself. The key to joy is selfless service.
Gregory Hake 
Amazing quotes. Thanks for your further thoughts on them. I especially noted your perspective that “Keeping happy is not a matter of arranging the matters of outer circumstance thus and so, padding your nest according to your likes and wants.” So true, and perfectly in time for a New Year meditation!
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It is the Greatest priveledge and responsibility to serve others, being a true friend, releasing the expectations of return for as this great commandment is fulfilled in our own expression the return is guarenteed… therefore in the interest of self-interest you would think more often than not people would “truly” put others first!
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Hellen Keller was right about resolving to keep happy. But that’s a resolution that can’t be kept without a deeper fire behind it, a purpose. Any true purpose must be, at its foundation, a way to serve others. More specifically, its your way to serve others. To find your true purpose, you have to find ways to be truly of service. And be happy about it, because whether or not you think you’ve truly found your purpose, if you’re serving others, you’ve found it already! Who’s to say your life’s purpose doesn’t grow along with you, or that it doesn’t change as you do?
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If we could arrange the matters of outer circumstance to suit us I think it would still result in as big (possibly bigger) of a mess as the world presently is in.
Expressing the spirit of appreciation allows for the intercession of the “joys that long to be ours”.
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What beautiful words. What true words. Put to the test appreciation warms your heart, your world and your future.
Thanks
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What beautiful quotes. Unless you have experienced the joy of selfless service, it can be difficult to comprehend. Usually, when there is no concern to serve, there is only concern to survive. This is the ultimate irony as true survival (going beyond a dog-eat-dog, scrappy existence) is based in service. So, you have to take the plunge, be courageous and know that as your needs become insignificant to you, they become more significant to others and what results is a beautiful experience of giving and receiving and living.
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Love this . . . .”Happiness is the by-product of having
truly embraced the spirit of appreciation” . . . so true!
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